Man Held in Shootings of Mother, 3 Children

San Fernando police arrested a 19-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder Saturday in connection with the shootings of a mother and her three children who were caught in the cross-fire of a gunfight between rival gangs, authorities said.

Frank Edward Santiago of San Fernando, identified by police as a gang member, was taken into custody about 6 a.m. in the 400 block of Harding Street, Officer George Field said.

Santiago was being held without bail in San Fernando Jail on four counts of attempted murder.

Field said police expect to make more arrests soon.

The victims, Enriqueta Duran, 30; her daughter, and two sons were wounded by shotgun pellets about 8 p.m. June 26 when a gang battle erupted near Coronel and Huntington streets.

The family was walking home from Las Palmas Park, police said.

Duran and her sons, Hugo, 9, and Hector, 8, were treated at hospitals and released.

Duran’s daughter, Melinda, also 9, was hospitalized at Childrens Hospital with wounds in the abdomen and left hand.

She was released Saturday, police said.

Police Chief Dominick Rivetti called the incident “a classic case of two rival gangs going at it with one another--they miss their target and hit innocent bystanders.”

Rivetti is scheduled to meet with the San Fernando City Council on Tuesday to discuss the gang problem.

City officials have pledged to make all city resources available to combat gang violence and ensure the safety of residents walking on the streets.